Luxury Car Deals: March 2012

In the increasingly competitive world of luxury cars, more and more automakers are relying on special offers and incentives to provide an edge over the competition. Such deals have made brands like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus - once unattainable to the average buyer - suddenly within reach, causing a growing number of consumers to turn to luxury nameplates as they purchase new cars. To help even more car shoppers find the right luxury vehicle, we've searched through March incentives from many upscale automakers - and we've highlighted some of the best deals in our list below.

If you're looking for an unbeatable price on a luxury sport sedan, we suggest checking out BMW's highly competent 3 Series - especially considering the amazing deals available on the outgoing 2011 model, which is being phased out in favor of an all-new 3 Series for 2012. According to BMW, leftover 2011 328xi sedans can be had throughout March with 0.9 percent interest rates for up to 36 months, while potential lease customers can find payments as low as $328 per month with just $3,000 due at signing. To us, those aren't bad figures for a sport sedan that's consistently touted as one of the best on the road.

The sporty Infiniti EX35 offers a host of technology, impressive practicality and car-like handling - and through the end of March, it's also available with several enticing incentives. According to Infiniti, the small crossover is available to lease for $569 per month with nothing due at signing in standard rear-wheel drive guise, or just $579 per month with available all-wheel drive. For well-qualified buyers who would prefer to purchase an EX35, Infiniti is offering interest rates as low as 1.9 percent for up to 60 months, or 2.9 percent for up to 72 months. Regardless of which offer you choose, both deals strike us as remarkable values for one of the most unfairly overlooked luxury vehicles on the market.

Although it might seem like a considerable payment, there are several reasons why Jaguar's $1,099 per month lease deal on its 2012 XK convertible strikes us as one of the best luxury car lease rates available. For one, the luxury droptop is just $50 per month more than the coupe, which makes it an easy pick for buyers who live in warm climates. But more importantly, the roadster is far less expensive than rivals like the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes SL-Class despite including an impressive list of luxury features, a powerful 5.0-liter V8 and classic Jaguar styling.

The S-Class is one of our favorite luxury sedans - and throughout March, it's available with several enticing special offers. While we're impressed with $1,199 monthly lease payments for both the rear-wheel drive Mercedes S550 and its all-wheel drive S550 4Matic stablemate, we actually prefer the highly-efficient S350 BlueTEC, which is powered by a 240-horspower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Although that may not seem like ample power to move the large luxury sedan, the engine's impressive torque figure - 455 pound-feet - nearly outguns the 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 found in the S550. Best of all, the sedan achieves a whopping 31 miles per gallon in highway driving, making its $1,049 per month lease payment with $5,843 due at signing even more attractive.

It's hard to ignore the fantastic deals currently available on Volvo's surprisingly enjoyable - and highly stylish - C70 convertible. According to the automaker, qualified buyers who purchase a C70 by the end of March can get interest rates as low as 0.9 percent for up to 48 months. For customers who would rather lease a C70, the automaker is offering the turbocharged four-seat droptop - which features a starting price of around $41,000 including destination - for just $449 per month with $2,943 due at signing. That makes the C70 a compelling alternative to pricier rivals like the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-class Cabriolet - neither of which offers the Volvo's unique folding hardtop.

What it means to you: You don't have to look far to find a great deal in today's luxury car market.

Jeffrey Archer
is fortunate to have turned a passion for cars into a career. His wide-ranging automotive experience includes work for automakers and dealers in addition to covering the news. When not writing, he spends his time searching for unique cars on AutoTrader.com.